Thursday’s campaign round-up

Today’s installment of campaign-related news items that won’t necessarily generate a post of their own, but may be of interest to political observers:

* Two weeks ago, Newt Gingrich looked like the clear favorite to win the Iowa caucuses. Today, Gingrich said his “goal” is to be “in the top three or four” in the state.

* In a bit of a surprise, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee outraised the National Republican Congressional Committee in November, $56.2 million to $51.8 million, despite the fact that Republicans enjoy the House majority.

* And in the polar opposite news, the National Republican Senatorial Committee outraised the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, $2.9 million to $2.54 million, despite the fact that Democrats enjoy the Senate majority.

* Jon Huntsman’s presidential campaign hasn’t received much in the way of good news this year, so it was likely thrilled to pick up an endorsement today from the Concord Monitor, New Hampshire’s second-largest newspaper.

* Rick Santorum’s presidential campaign doesn’t have much in the way of resources, but a pro-Santorum super PAC is now investing $350,000 in an Iowa ad buy.

* Rick Perry forgot how his tax plan treats deductions yesterday, and had to be bailed out by campaign surrogate Bobby Jindal, the Republican governor of Louisiana.

* The number of candidates running for governor in Utah continues to grow, and retired two-star Army General Peter Cooke appears likely to kick off his campaign any day how. Cooke would run as a Democrat, while incumbent Gov. Gary Herbert faces a couple of GOP primary opponents.

* And in North Carolina, it’s a near certainty that former Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory (R) will run for governor next year, setting up a rematch of the 2008 race that put Gov. Bev Perdue (D) in office. [corrected]